Practice Flashcards
Flip to reveal answersWhat is feminist theory?
Track your progress — Sign up free to save your progress and get smart review reminders based on spaced repetition.
All 11 Flashcards — Feminist theory
Sign up free to track progress and get spaced-repetition review schedules.
Question
What is feminist theory?
Answer
The theory that gender shapes global politics and that mainstream views, by ignoring women's experiences, tell only half the story.
Question
Is feminist theory just about women?
Answer
No — it studies gender (the social ideas of masculinity and femininity) and how they shape power, war and security.
Question
How does feminist theory rethink 'security'?
Answer
It argues real security includes everyday safety — from violence and poverty — not just the state's military security.
Question
What does feminist theory say is left out?
Answer
Women's experiences and voices, and the unpaid, invisible work (often done by women) that holds economies up.
Question
Why is UNSCR 1325 a good example?
Answer
It recognised that women experience war differently and are excluded from peace talks, and called for their inclusion — the gender lens revealing a gap others missed.
Question
What did UNSCR 1325 (2000) do?
Answer
It recognised women's distinct experience of conflict and called for their inclusion in peacebuilding.
Question
Why include women in peacebuilding?
Answer
Because peace made without half the population is less likely to last, and women see needs and risks that are otherwise missed.
Question
How does feminist theory challenge realism?
Answer
It questions realism's 'gender-neutral' state and narrow, military idea of security, asking who is left out.
Question
What is the main strength of feminist theory?
Answer
It reveals gender gaps other theories ignore, broadens 'security', and has changed real policy (e.g. UNSCR 1325).
Question
What is the main criticism of feminist theory?
Answer
Critics say it focuses on one factor (gender), is harder to apply to great-power war, and feminists differ on approach.
Question
What HL theme does feminist theory link to?
Answer
Equality — and human security and rights, where excluded groups and everyday safety come to the fore.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Feminist theory
Topic 1.7 hub
Theoretical perspectives
More from Topic 1.7
All flashcards in this topic
Global Politics exam skills
Paper structures & tips
Track your progress with spaced repetition
Sign up free — Aimnova tells you exactly which cards to review and when, so you remember everything before your IB exam.
Start Free